Albertans have a special connection to this month, and it goes back almost a century. The five women who pushed Canada to recognize women as individuals under the law all lived and worked in Alberta. Their leader, Emily Murphy, served as a judge in Edmonton.
Older adults may remember their mothers and grandmothers facing challenges of their own. Women's History Month events near you offer a chance to explore local history and share family memories. Senior Helpers West Edmonton can help older adults stay connected to their communities through companionship and practical support.
A Little Background Before You Go
The Government of Canada designated October as Women's History Month in 1992. According to Women and Gender Equality Canada, it celebrates women and girls whose leadership has shaped the country, past and present.
Persons Day falls on October 18. It marks the 1929 Persons Case, when Canada's highest court of appeal at the time was the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. The court ruled that women counted as persons and could sit in the Senate
The Canadian Encyclopedia's entry on the Famous Five introduces Murphy, Henrietta Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, and Irene Parlby. A quick read before an event means the names on the display boards will already be familiar.
Find Women's History Month Events Near You at Local Libraries
Libraries are an easy place to start when looking for Women's History Month events near you. Edmonton Public Library and the public libraries in Grande Prairie and St. Albert post programs in their online event calendars. October listings may include author talks, book discussions, or film screenings about women in Canadian history.
Stop by the front desk or check the library's website. Library staff can explain what's scheduled and identify branches with step-free entrances. Many library programs are free to attend.
Book clubs can also participate by reading a biography of a Canadian woman who helped shape the country's history.
Museums and Heritage Sites
The Royal Alberta Museum and the Provincial Archives of Alberta in Edmonton may feature exhibits or talks connected to women's history. The Musée Héritage Museum in St. Albert and local museums in Grande Prairie are also worth checking.
Check their websites a week or two before your visit. Ask about admission discounts for older adults, accessible entrances, and gallery seating.
Family papers count, too. Letters, photos, and diaries from earlier generations can spark conversations at a family gathering. Looking through these keepsakes together can help older relatives share stories about the women who shaped their families and communities.
Other Ways to Take Part
Not every activity requires a ticket. Families and older adults can find simple ways to participate in Women's History Month.
- Watch for Persons Day events hosted by senior centres, faith groups, or women's organizations.
- Invite friends and relatives to share stories about the women who shaped their lives.
- Record family stories about a mother, grandmother, or another influential relative to preserve them for younger generations.
- Visit Emily Murphy Park on a mild afternoon and reflect on the local history associated with her name.
One activity is enough to get started. Even a single afternoon can teach you about the women who helped build Alberta's schools, farms, and communities. It can also spark conversations that continue long after October ends.
Getting Out to Events in Edmonton and Beyond
Women's History Month events near you offer older adults and families in Alberta a chance to explore local history. They can also preserve family stories and celebrate the women who shaped their communities.
Senior Helpers West Edmonton helps older adults in Edmonton, Grande Prairie, and St. Albert stay active in their communities, including during Women's History Month. Our caregivers can provide transportation to libraries, museums, and community events. We also offer companionship during outings and help at home so older adults have more energy to enjoy their day. Contact us to learn how we can help you get out and enjoy the month.